Kalonzo Breaks Silence on Joining Ruto's Government After Raila Deal

Photo collage of former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and President William Ruto

Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has positioned himself as the only opposition pillar who has not crossed over to join President William Ruto's side despite mounting pressure from political parties demanding that they unite.

Speaking at the People's Dialogue Festival in Nairobi on Friday, March 14, Kalonzo dismissed any possibility of engaging with Ruto before the 2027 presidential election, stating that the only meeting he can envision is where Ruto hands over power to him.

“That is the only thing we can meet and discuss. Beyond that, we will have to meet at the ballot in 2027,” he declared, drawing a clear line between himself and the administration.

Kalonzo’s defiance comes in the wake of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. 

The deal, which many had expected him to support, has instead led to his growing isolation in the opposition.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga

Despite calls from pro-government principals to sign up for the pact, Kalonzo has remained firm, asserting that political talks should not come at the cost of Kenyans suffering from economic hardship.

“If there is no formula at the KICC showing how Kenyans are going to compensate their families and the loss of lives due to police brutality, then there is nothing that will come out of KICC other than betrayal,” he insisted.

Consequently, Kalonzo took aim at the government’s economic policies, pointing out the worsening job crisis and the exodus of businesses to neighboring countries. 

He blamed the administration for failing to revive the 24-hour economy, which he believes is crucial for Kenya’s industrial revival.

“Without bringing back the 24-hour economy, the factories that have since relocated to Tanzania and Uganda will have nothing to do with them,” he warned.

At the same time, the opposition leader criticized the government for neglecting the plight of unemployed graduates, stating that job creation should take precedence over political alliances.